Fog of war
Matthew 27:51 And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom; and the earth shook and the rocks were split.
Solomon’s Temple was originally 30 cubits high (1 Kings 6:2), but Herod—according to the writings of Josephus, a first-century Jewish historian—had it increased to 40 cubits. While we cannot be sure of the exact measurement of a cubit, we can be reasonably sure that the height of the veil would have been about 60 feet. Also, while the Bible does not confirm this, an early Jewish tradition says the veil was four inches thick. Made with blue, purple, and scarlet fine twisted linens, it would have been an awe-inspiring sight, massive in stature and full of meaning.
The veil would have been a constant reminder that sinful man was unworthy to be in the presence of a perfect God. It would have separated the Holy Place from the Holy of Holies, where God’s presence resided. There was a time when man’s sins were atoned by the shedding of animal blood, performed only by the high priest. Others could not approach God directly and were forced to obtain forgiveness through the proxy of another person. This, coupled with the ineffectiveness of the blood offerings, made man desperate.
This basic understanding of the veil helps us better appreciate Christ’s sacrifice. He was crucified as a permanent replacement for animal blood. Unlike the animals that needed to be sacrificed over and over, his death would be one-time and forever effective. It is so eternally powerful that it would be memorialized symbolically by rending the veil from top to bottom. This massive thick curtain would be torn from the top, where the heavy fasteners held its weight, making it even more impressive.
Today, we may encounter various trials and tribulations. One of Satan’s goals is to reconstruct a veil in our lives like a dark cloud. His strategy makes us feel we cannot approach God with our cares, thus separating us from the source of our help. Have you ever felt like there was a cloud of sadness, depression, anxiety, fear, or any other of a multitude of negative emotions around you? It feels thick and constant, becoming a heavy spiritual weight in your every waking moment. Condemnation tells you that if God loved you, he would not allow you to suffer, or even worse, you have been forgiven too many times already, and God has lost his patience with you.
Friend, I have some good news for you—the best news ever. God loved you so much that he would rather die than live without you. You are not separated from God and can boldly approach his throne of grace for mercy (Hebrews 4:16). He will remove the fog of war and give you peace. Run to him as often as you need!
Matthew 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
Insight
Much like when God ripped the temple veil granting us unrestricted access to his presence, today, he still destroys anything that attempts to stand between us and his love!
